The Friends
are proud to announce that we have secured the following capacity
building grants that will greatly help us in strengthening our
organization for the benefit of Connetquot River State Park Preserve:
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FOC Newsletter, Chairman’s Letter, Autumn 2008
On Sunday, October 5, the Friends held their
eleventh annual Gala. Although there were morning
showers, the weather improved beautifully just prior
to the noon starting time, to provide a very
pleasant afternoon. This year’s theme was trout and
trout fishing, and featured demonstrations by local
fishing clubs and tours to the hatchery where
visitors could view the ponds where eggs are
nurtured to produce the trout that inhabit the
river.
I would like to thank Park Superintendent Gil Bergen
and his staff, all board members, and volunteers for
helping to make the day a success. A gross total of
$13,173 was collected through admissions and
auctions. Thank you to all attendees. I hope you had
a wonderful time. Please
click this link for more information on the Gala.
The restoration of the mill is finally underway. The
building has been lowered onto its new foundation.
The Friends have hired mill restoration expert
Walter Hollien and his crew to complete the project.
Work can now proceed and we should see progress with
every visit to the park.
Autumn is in evidence everywhere throughout the
park. Trees are ablaze with red, yellow, and orange
foliage. The landscape is a sight to behold. Visit
soon to enjoy this display by nature, before it is
gone for this year.
On a sad note, the DEC has decided not to renew the
license to operate the hatchery after December 31,
2008, due to the presence of the IPN virus in some
of the trout. The State, with much opposition from
the Friends’ Board of Trustees, will be closing the
hatchery. We are hoping this decision can be
reversed and that both the DEC and the State will
provide a plan and timeline to eradicate the problem
as soon as possible. No doubt you have received the
flyer the Friends mailed to all members explaining
the details of the DEC’s decision and the Friends’
reasons for opposing it. If you also object to this
move, I urge you to contact your State
representatives, the DEC, and New York State
Department of Parks, Recreation and Historic
Preservation to let your voice be heard. The
hatchery has been in operation for over one hundred
and forty four years and is one of the most valuable
assets in the park. The income produced from fishing
helps offset operational costs. This is your park.
Help us preserve it for years to come.
Sincerely,
Bob Labuski
